Unemployment rates by state, at a glance

The unemployment rate rose in 20 states last month, fresh evidence the job market is still struggling even as the economy improves. The Labor Department said Tuesday that the unemployment rate fell in 15 states and was unchanged in another 15. Meanwhile, hiring is still slow: The number of jobs on employer payrolls dropped in 35 states in December, while rising in only 15.

The unemployment rate rose in 20 states last month, fresh evidence the job market is still struggling even as the economy improves. The Labor Department said Tuesday that the unemployment rate fell in 15 states and was unchanged in another 15. Meanwhile, hiring is still slow: The number of jobs on employer payrolls dropped in 35 states in December, while rising in only 15.